Smashed Cucumber Salad

On the surface, this might appear to be an ordinary cucumber salad, but look a little closer, and the true story reveals itself: After decades of neat, polite slicing, we’ve simply had it. This is the era of smashed cucumber salad.

If you’ve ever crushed a clove a garlic under the heel of your knife, you know what I mean—there’s something supremely satisfying about hammering your fist down upon a tiny, unsuspecting garlic clove—feeling it smash to bits, its annoying papery skin rent asunder.

Aside from providing a healthy outlet for frustrated cooks, smashing foods can have some beneficial culinary applications. We’ve been crushing par-cooked potatoes for awhile now, before adding extra butter and seasoning and tossing them into our ovens and air fryers to get extra crispy. In this case, smashing creates more surface area, and more surface area means more opportunities for crunchy goodness.

Learn how to make smashed cucumber salad. While smashing doesn’t make cucumbers any more crispy (aren’t they crunchy enough already?), it does create cracks and fissures that allow the cucumber to soak up flavoring from skin to core. The result is a vegetable salad that tastes marinated, instead of just hastily dressed. What are you waiting for? Grab your knife or a rolling pin—it’s time to get smashing.

Ingredients for Smashed Cucumber Salad

Persian cucumbers are smashed and tossed with onions, salt, sugar, olive oil, mustard, and vinegar for a flavorful salad you'll actually crave. To make smashed cucumber salad:

• Persian cucumbers: Cucumbers with a thin skin, small seeds, and crisp texture that hold up well after smashing.
• Red onion: Adds an oniony sharpness and color to the salad.
• Kosher salt: Seasons the mixture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a mild sweetness to the mix to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: To coat the veggies for a rich mouthfeel.
• Whole-grain mustard: Adds a tangy, spicy flavor and texture to the salad.
• Aged sherry vinegar: Acidity to balance and brighten the salad.

How To Make Smashed Cucumber Salad

There's joy to be had when smashing cucumbers—save this dish for days when you need to let off some steam. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Smash and cut cucumbers: Halve cucumbers lengthwise and place cut side down on a cutting board. Lightly smash with the flat side of a chef’s knife. Cut into pieces.
• Step 2. Toss ingredients to combine: Toss cucumbers in a bowl with onions, salt, and sugar. Let stand 15 minutes. Pour off excess liquid, then toss in olive oil, mustard, and vinegar.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Variations

To change up this cucumber salad based on your preferences or what you have on hand, consider these variation ideas:

• Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers in the place of the Persian cucumbers for a similar texture.
• Onions: Swap the red onions with green onions, shallots, or other types of onions as desired.
• Vinegar: Use rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or other types as needed.
• Mustard: Swap the whole-grain mustard with Dijon or spicy brown mustard.
• Herbs: Add other types of herbs, including parsley, cilantro, mint, or thyme, for depth and complexity.
• Spices and seasonings: Amp up the flavor with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, and more.
• Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, avocado, thinly sliced carrots, or radishes for additional color and flavor.

Our Tips for the Best Smashed Cucumber Salad

For the best smashed cucumber salad, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right cucumbers: Choose firm Persian or English cucumbers for the best texture after smashing.
• Smash gently: No one wants a pulverized cucumber salad. Smash gently but firmly for the right texture.
• Salt the cucumbers: Once the cucumbers are tossed with the onions, salt, and sugar, give them time to release their juices so you'll avoid excess liquid in the mix.
• Season to taste: The flavor of different cucumbers may vary. Season the mixture to taste before serving, if needed.
• Serve immediately or chill: For the best texture, serve right after mixing, or make and chill the morning of to keep the cucumbers crisp.
  

How To Store Leftover Smashed Cucumber Salad

For the freshest flavor, texture, and presentation, this salad should ideally be assembled right before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cucumbers will begin to soften over time, but the salad will still be delicious. If the salad starts to become watery, drain off excess liquid and season to taste, if needed, before serving.

What To Serve With Smashed-Cucumber Salad

Serve this refreshing, tangy salad with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp. It also pairs well with tofu, tempeh, and other vegetarian items. Round out the meal with rice, a noodle salad, mixed greens, coleslaw, crusty bread, and more.

What Else Can I Smash?

If you're totally into smashing and want additional dishes in your repertoire using this technique, our loaded potatoes, Brussels sprouts, baby red potatoes, okra, and fried potatoes with field peas and corn recipes might become your new favorites. Looking for something sweet? Smashed sugar cookies are a must-make.

More Summer-Ready Salad Recipes You'll Love

Nothing says summer like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, corn, peaches, and salads made with all of the above.

• Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
• Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
• Corn and Tomato Salad
• Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
• Strawberry-Spinach Salad
• Heirloom Tomato Salad
• Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta
• Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.